DESST 3517 - Environment III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

Students in this course will consider cities, landscapes and urban environments as complex living systems within, sustainability and liveability contexts. They will use environmental assessment literature, instrument, software and tools to understand Environmental issues of landscape and urban design including: public space quality, plants, climate change, resources, microclimate, transport, water, waste, agriculture and energy. The course aims to develop skills in critical thinking and knowledge of the technological, building codes standards, scientific and socio-cultural factors that drive and define the problems that designers engage with to make positive contributions.

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Course Details

Course Code	DESST 3517
Course	Environment III
Coordinating Unit	Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Assumed Knowledge	DESST 2517
Restrictions	Available to B. ArchDes, B.E(Arch), B.ConsMgmt, B. ConsMgmt(Hons) and Assoc. Deg.ConsMgmt students only
Quota	A quota will apply
Assessment	Quizzes, posters, technical report, digital models, hand drawing and digital drawing

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Ehsan Sharifi

Dr Ehsan Sharifi
Email: ehsan.sharifi@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 08-8313-0317
Students contact hours: Fridays 1-3pm (Room 468, Horace Lamb Building)

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Lectures
Mondays, 9:00-10:00am, Lecture theatre/live stream/online pre-recorded

Tutorials and workshops
Mondays 10am-12pm at Barr Smith South
Mondays 12-2pm at Barr Smith South
Mondays 2pm-4pm at Barr Smith South

Week 1: Introduction to Cities and Climate Change
Week 2: Low Carbon and Resilient Cities
Week 3: Healthy and Liveable Cities
Week 4: Biophilic and Green Cities
Week 5: Urban Microclimates
Week 6: Outdoor Thermal and Wind Comfort
Week 7: Public Space and Public Life
Week 8: Urban Cooling Strategies
Week 9: ENVimet workshops
Week 10: Case Studies of Sustainable Urban Design
Week 11: Case Studies of Urban Heat Adaptation
Week 12: Complexity, Resileince and Regeneration
Week 13: Final project presentation

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge
A) Develop an understanding of the various physical, social-cultural and environmental layers of a city and the ways these interact to form the urban environment.
B) Demonstrate general understanding of theoretical models and analytical approaches to dissect existing urban environments, develop critical (re)framings and applying urban retrofitting measures to address urban sustainability and liveability.
C) Develop an experiential sensitivity to urban environments, and a creative imagination that visualises how cities may change, and the ability to represent such future scenarios using sketches, text, map, image and data.

Skills
D) Acquire in-depth research skills of the following modes in application to urban analysis and representation: (1) mapping; (2) data and infographics; (3) documentation; (4) outdoor microclimate field measurements and survey; and (5) critical writing.
E) Develop practical skills to work with urban microcliamte measurement equipment and simulation software.
F) Build abilities in teamwork and time management for group and individual work

杏吧直播 Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

杏吧直播 Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	A, B, C, D
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	B, D, F
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	B, E, F
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	F
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	C, E
Attribute 6: 杏吧直播n Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, 杏吧直播n Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	A, C
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	B
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	A

Learning Resources

Required Resources

There is no prescribed reader or course pack for this course, but specific readings and other materials may be assigned and/or made available through MyUni. Students are also expected to be able to independently research relevant readings and materials while working on their assignments, drawing on the collections in the Barr-Smith library, the State Library of South 杏吧直播, the City of Adelaide archives, as well as other local or specialist collections where warranted.

Recommended Resources

A partial list of recommended readings to provide starting points for further research will made available to students through email and MyUni. Other recommended resources, including software, online tools, and production techniques, will also be developed progressively over the course of the semester and posted to MyUni or circulated via email.
Students are encouraged to take an active interest in the research activities of the department, including the programs of CAMEA and CASRU, as well as the Speaker Series talks and other occasional events.

Online Learning

杏吧直播 Email:
The school uses the 杏吧直播 email system to get in touch with the students. So it is imperative that you check your email regularly and keep up to date with any new announcements.

MyUni:
MyUni is an essential online tool which will be used to communicate information regarding the course including details of assignments and interim grades. There are many other learning resources and assessment pieces that rely on the MyUni system for delivery. Therefore it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the various functions of MyUni and employ it to its fullest extent. https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au

Discussion Board:
The MyUni Discussion Board can be used to interact with other students and tutors and is an essential tool to discuss information and increase your understanding of issues.

Lecture Recording:
In certain cases the recording of the lectures is made available in electronic format for students to listen through on their own time and make notes, and is provided through the MyUni system. However, this service is only available for lectures with essential course content and may not include guest lectures. Furthermore, where the presentation content is subject to copyright or the guest speaker is uncomfortable with the recording of the content, the lecture recording will not be made available online. So students should not rely solely on this mode of learning and arrange to attend or get lecture content from peers.

Noticeboard / Handbook:
General information about the activities at the School is available online from the Student Noticeboard which can be accessed at
https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-studentarchitecture/ current-student
Students can also access a copy of the Student Handbook at the following link:
https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-student-architecture/enrolments
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course advances its learning objectives primarily through a project-based approach built around the production of the “Readings” project books, delivered with a combination of lecture and tutorial modes. Online-based collaborative and communication modes also constitute an important aspect of the course. The MyUni system will provide the basic online platform for the course, but other online tools and media may also be explored and employed.

Lectures
Lectures define the common core of the subject, delivering the basic references and knowledge defining the course content. All students come together at one time in the lecture room - for this reason lectures are also an important space for overall organisation and feedback. Attendance at lectures is therefore essential. Where students are unable to attend lectures, review of the lecture is required through posted recordings and presentation materials posted on MyUni.

Tutorials
Tutorials are the working space for the subject. Capped at 27 students, this is where the concepts and materials from lectures are discussed, clarified, and applied through small group discussion and collaboration, guided by the tutor. The tutorials are also where the main face-to-face collaborative working arrangements are developed and sustained in order to advance the work leading to the completion of the project books.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:
The 杏吧直播 expects full鈥恡ime students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at least 48 hours per week to their studies. Accordingly, students undertaking this 3 unit course are expected to devote at the minimum 12 hours per week to contact activities and self鈥恎uided studies.
Based on this framework here are some figures that might assist workload management:
Total workload hrs: 12 hours per wk x 14 wks (inc. of mid鈥恠emester break) = 168 hours
Total contact hours: 3 hours per week x 12 weeks = 36 hours鈥═otal self鈥恎uided study: 168 – 36 hours = 132 hours
These 132 hours should be used towards for working on the various assignments associated with the course, including development of requisite research, knowledge, and skills. Please organise your time wisely!

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1: Introduction to Cities and Climate Change
Week 2: Low Carbon and Resilient Cities
Week 3: Healthy and Liveable Cities
Week 4: Biophilic and Green Cities
Week 5: Urban Microclimates
Week 6: Outdoor Thermal and Wind Comfort
Week 7: Public Space and Public Life
Week 8: Urban Cooling Strategies
Week 9: ENVimet workshops
Week 10: Case Studies of Sustainable Urban Design
Week 11: Case Studies of Urban Heat Adaptation
Week 12: Complexity, Resileince and Regeneration
Week 13/14: Final project presentation

Specific Course Requirements

Failure to attend teaching due to medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances is dealt with the School Policy, administered by the School Office. Submit the appropriate application for supplementary consideration together with the original signed medical or other relevant officer, to the School Office. If you foresee a problem contact the Course Coordinator BEFORE the problem actually occurs. Otherwise, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible and submit the appropriate application for supplementary consideration to the School Office.

The 杏吧直播's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Type Due Date Weight Course Learning Objectives
"Assignment 0
“Reading Home”" "Individual
(Calibration)" "Week 2
7 August 2015" 5% C
"Assignment 1
“Defining Readings”" Group "Week 6
4 September 2015" 25% A, B, C, D, F
"Assignment 2
“Develop Reading”" Individual "Week 9
9 October 2015" 50% A, B, C, D, E
"Assignment 3
“Assemble Readings”" Group/Individual "Week 12
30 October 2015" "5%
10%" E, F

Assessment Related Requirements

To do well, students need to participate in all class activities. Please make sure you attend regularly and come prepared for class.

Assessment Detail

Assignment 1

Case Study

(AS1 is an individual task)

Assignment 1 is focused on sustainability and liveability research and communication skills development.

Individuals present an A1 poster on a case study related to environmental sustainability/liveability in an urban context.

To do list:

Select a city from the list 100 most sustainable/liveable cities 2025 provided in W2 and W3 modules.
Explore and present city origins and history.
Explore, compare and discuss the case study city ranking and changes since 2018 and speculate causes.
Search for one case study project with sustainability/liveability focus in the target city. This can be a greening, community practice, renewable energy/resources, mitigation or adaptation project in building block, neighbourhood, suburban and urban scale.
Construct at least 2 illustration for the case study city/project using figures/maps/images (see description of an original figure construct below).
Present the findings in an A1 PDF poster (landscape format).

Exclusion scales:

inner buildings
regional and global projects

Assignment requirements:

You should select a relevant case study city and a relevant case study project inside that city.

The slide deck consists of:

Title and project highlights (3-4 statements on the cover page)
Included text (600-1000 words) consists of introduction, the case study city history, geography and culture, current and past sustainability/liveability ranking and subcategories, a case study project inside the target city, discussion on how the case study project contributes to the city sustainability/liveability rank and summary takeaways.
List of min 5 academic (peer reviewed) references (papers/books/chapters/journals/media to support this case study.
An original (student-construct) of a figure/table/chart to support contents
An original (student-construct) sketch/image/photo to support contents (moderate use of AI is permitted with citation)
Additional figure/table/chart/sketch/image/photo(s) may be used if required with references.

Referencing style: (Author, Date) with hyperlinks

Text and graphics originality considerations:

The assignment is subject to similarity check in Turnitin (max allowed 20% excluding references).
The assignment is subject to AI writing detection in Turnitin (max allowed 20%).
Moderate use of AI is permitted in graphics with citation of the AI tool and presentation of the script used in the references.

Unless additional content/information added to a figure/image/graphic, simple redrawing an existing figure will not make an original contribution.
See UoA AI integrity rules at

Assessment criteria:

Structure, quality and clarity
Original writing (plagiarism standards - max acceptable similarity rate (Turnitin): 20%)
Quality of figure/table/chart/sketch and image/photos
Proper usage of language and grammar
Referencing and citation: sufficiency, style and accuracy
Presentation structure and quality

Submission format: PDF

Assignment 2

Urban ecological assessment

(AS2 is an individual task)

Assignment 2 is focused on practical skills development.

In Assignment 2 we record, analyse and discuss trees and surface covers' data at the North Tce/Waite Campus of UoA.

Students will learn to calibrate and properly use Infrared thermometers and camera during the data collection.

Students will also learn to use iTree canopy, iTree Design and FLIR tools during workshops to be used for Assignment 2.

Students will form teams of 3-4 to borrow the instruments and collect data between W5 and W8.

Essential instruments (IR thermometer, anemometer and thermal camera) will be provided to the students during the data collection!
A Monday between W5 and W7 will be dedicated to site visit depending on weather conditions.
The whole class will collect data on 5 tree species and 10 common outdoor surface covers at the direction of their tutors.
Every student will collect 8 data sets.
Students will input their collected data immediately after the site visit using the smart sheet provided at
All data collected by the class will be moderated by the teaching team.
All data will be made available to all students to use for assignment 2.

Assignment requirements:

Assignment 2 uses the template

You should select a common surface cover, plus turf and a tree from the collected data for assignment 2.
General weather information during data collection will be provided to you.
Data for the surface materials and trees are to be presented, analysed, compared and discussed according to the template provided above (detailed instructions are in the template file).

Data collection and report templates can be also downloaded from .
Data used for analysis need to be submitted in excel file (xlsx, xls) alongside the PDF report.

Submission format:

A4 portrait - PDF
Excel data sheet (only the data you have used in the assignment) - XLSX

Assignment 3

Scenario design and modelling for sustainability + liveability

(AS3 is a group work of 3-4 students).

It can be done individually too (see below notes for group size and deliverables)!

Assignment 3 will build on the the obtained knowledge and skills in the previous assignments to improve sustainability and liveability of an existing site.

In Assignment 3 students model and analyse outdoor microclimates, water and energy supply and usage in a real site.

We will learn a to use ENVI-met software and use it to predict outdoor microclimates.

Then propose, model and analyse design options to enhance environmental and social sustainability at the site.

2025 Site:

Law Court at North Tce - UoA (recently renamed to Colombo Plan Alumni Court)

Deliverable 1: Context analysis

Site analysis including spatial (form, scale, access, greenery, surfaces, shade/solar access), activities and image analysis.
Existing microclimate analysis for 21 December 9am to 9pm (every 3 hours).
(The 3D Area file and simulation results of the site will be provided to the students for this stage)

Deliverable 2: Scenario design and evaluation (one alternative per group member)

Scenario design for environmental improvement: proposed changes in 1)Greenery 2)Cool materials 3)Permeable surfaces 4)Mixed strategies.
Simulation of each design scenario in ENVI-met, compare and discuss before-after conditions for 21 Dec.
Regenerative solutions for final design proposal (stormwater, irrigation and greenery, renewable energies and waste recycling/reuse).

Notes of group size and deliverables:

if you are working alone on AS1, you will have one scenario design (Deliverable 2) and compare it to the existing context (Deliverable 1). The scenario design is to be related to only greenery OR cool OR permeable surfaces.
If you are a group of 2, you need to have 2 scenario designs (Deliverable 2) and compare them to the existing context (Deliverable 1). The scenario designs are to be related to greenery AND cool OR permeable surfaces.
Mixed design is permitted only for groups of 3 and 4 students.
If you are a group of 3 or 4, you need to have 3 scenario designs (Deliverable 2) and compare them to the existing context (Deliverable 1). The scenario designs are to be related to greenery AND cool AND permeable surfaces AND a mixed design proposal

Further notes:

Each scenario should only have one strategy (i.e. improved greenery, cool surfaces, permeability surfaces).
Mixed design is permitted only for groups of 3 and 4 students.
Water Sensitive Design (W11) and Regenerative Design (W12) are needed for all projects regardless of the group size (or individual)!
A sample sequence for poster materials:

- Introduction to assignment
- Context analysis
- Site microclimate analysis (simulation and thermal images)
- Simulation and comparison of alternative scenarios
- Discussion of best-fit microclimate intervention: drawings/sketches/rendering/diagram/annotations/photos of similar projects with proper annotation/description
- Regenerative and water-sensitive design scenario

For ENVImet simulation we use simple forcing and bellow values:

Summer: 21 December 2023 - wind speed 2m/s; wind direction 180° S; 20C@5am < airT <42C@4pm; 10%@4pm<RH<50%@4am;

Submission format:

2-4 x A1 posters
Posters should include context, concept, scenario design and evaluation (existing and proposed)
300dpi PDF version of posters should be uploaded to MyUni on W14
ENVI-met Area Input File (.inx) for design proposals should be uploaded too (for quality check)
One submission is enough for each group when names and responsibilities are appropriately addressed.

Posters: PDF (max 4xA1)

Submission

Task/Assignment No. & Name	Due date	Time	Weight	Submission Method
Assignment 1: Assignment 1: Environmental Sustainability/Liveability Poster	16 Aug	10pm	25	online + presentation in class
Assignment 2: Outdoor microclimate assessment	4 Oct	10pm	30	online
Assignment 3: Microclimate Simulation and Design	8 Nov	10pm	30	online and presentation on W14
Weekly Quizzes	Mondays	10pm	15	online via MyUni quiz

SUBMISSIONS
All details about the individual assignment submissions and online participation tasks will be provided on MyUni / Canvas.
Please note the following general points about Submissions:

General
All submissions must include Student Name and Student ID Number. Submissions without Student Name or ID Number will not be considered for marking, and will receive zero marks in accordance with the guidelines.
Please adhere to submission deadlines and follow instructions provided.
Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the Course Coordinator.
On occasion, the lecturer/tutor may wish to retain students’ work for future reference and the relevant student will be informed at such a time.

Early Submission:
There is an early submission box located on Level 4 which is cleared out daily at 10am. Please mark your submission clearly before placing in box. Online submissions can be made prior to the due date.
Models for in-class presentation cannot be handed in early.

Late Submission:
The school will NOT accept late submissions and any such assignment will receive zero marks. This also applies to electronic submissions.
Printing delays & hard disk crashes will not be entertained as legitimate causes for delay, so please ensure that the work is finished in advance. Online submissions can also take time when file sizes are large and this can result in delayed submissions. The School recommends submissions < 50MB.

Re-submission:
The school has a resubmission policy whereby students can redeem failed work by submitting additional work for a maximum of 50%.

Good practice:
Students should ensure that they regularly backup their work on multiple locations as hard-disk crashes are an unfortunate reality. When relying on community printing facilities, students should attempt to finish their work in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted (digital or hardcopy), as originals may be lost during the submission process.
For modified arrangements of submission and assessment due to special circumstances see the following Assessment Task Extension(s) & Additional Assessment guidelines.

Modified Arrangements (General)
Students can apply for extensions or modified arrangements based on Medical conditions or other Extenuating circumstances. However, students need to submit their application along with supporting documents within 5 business days of the condition becoming applicable.
The application form (the 'Blue Form') is available from the Front Office and needs to be submitted at the Front Office along with any supporting documentation. It is not sufficient, for example, just to submit a medical certificate. If you are sick a medical certificate needs to be appended to the Blue Form.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted. Please DO NOT contact the Course Coordinator directly.

Medical Reasons:
In case of an extended medical condition which makes it impossible for the student to submit the work on time, an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Medical Circumstances (Blue Form) may be lodged with the Front Office along with a doctor’s certificate within 5 business days.

Extenuating Circumstances:
If the student is unable to submit the work on time due to extenuating circumstances an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Extenuating Circumstances (Blue Form) may be lodged with the Front Office. Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems.
Compassionate Grounds:
In case of certain extraordinary personal problems students can apply for extensions based on compassionate grounds (Blue Form). However, these must first be discussed with the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.

Student Support:
For a full range of student support services visit /student/

Additional Assessment:
If a student receives a Fail grade for the course with an overall mark between 45 and 49, they may be eligible for an Offer of Additional Assessment which would allow them to get a maximum of 50 Pass for the Course.
Additional Assessment offers are made by the School and the student will be informed directly once these are made available.

Disability:
Students who have a disability and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements can contact the
杏吧直播 Disability Services at /disability/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.

Elite Athlete:
Students who have national/international sporting commitments and wish to seek modified submission or assessment
arrangements need to register with the 杏吧直播 Elite Athlete Support Scheme at /eliteathletes/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person by appointment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The 杏吧直播 places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 杏吧直播 to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 杏吧直播 of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 杏吧直播 of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

杏吧直播